CPUC says Smart Meters are Accurate

Today the California Public Utilities Commission announced the results of an independent evaluation of PG&E’s Smart Meter program. The audit, conducted by The Structure Group, found that the meters — and the associated billing — are accurate. However, it did fault PG&E’s customer service practices for exacerbating the problem of Smart Meter-related complaints about high bills. The New York Times Green blog has more on the audit.

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I received a large bill for July – 2 times more than the previous 3 years. I wrote emails, made phone calls. The phone operators were very nice and agreeable but made me feel like a doddering old lady who didn’t understand numbers. I’ve spent the last 3 weeks, lying on the linoleum floor on days above 100 degrees to avoid using the AC. I use fans – which one operator told me use huge amounts of energy. I checked my meter: 3 fans on high for 30 minutes made no change in the kilowatts used. Give me a break – I am a high school science teacher. Something made the Smartmeter “spin” beyond my average usage at home, raising a normally 170 to 200 dollar bill to over 400 dollars. Neighbors had similar stories. What subsidary company of PGE checked their Smartmeters? I am currently reading my meter daily, trying to keep track of usage. The next bill had better be back to normal. If I were to install just one small solar panel, then it is my understanding, my home would be placed back on the old meters. I am seriously considering it.!! Call me ANGRY at PGE.

Tim

That subsidiary company would be the CPUC. PGE brags about “owning” them. If there is too much evidence the CPUC and a few judges will let PG&E file bankruptcy again right after they pay their management millions in payola.

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